Andhra Pradesh Minister for Roads and Buildings B.C. Janardhan Reddy flagged off the train at Tirupati Railway Station. Several leaders, including MLA Arani Srinivasulu, TTD Board Member Bhanu Prakash Reddy, and MLC Balli Kalyan Chakravarthy, joined the ceremony. MPs Gurumoorthy and Ragunath Reddy attended the event virtually and appreciated the new service.

The weekly express travels from Tirupati to Sainagar Shirdi through Gudur, Ongole, Guntur and Secunderabad. This route gives pilgrims from all these regions easier access to the Shirdi Sai Baba temple. Rail officials stated that the new service will reduce travel difficulties, especially for weekend travelers.

Residents said the improved connectivity will support people from both states. Pilgrims have welcomed the initiative and expect smoother travel during peak seasons. The launch of this second weekly train strengthens transport options between two major devotional destinations.

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To begin with, Rumtek Monastery, the most renowned monastery in Sikkim, stands as the seat of the Karmapa. Its grand architecture, sacred relics and daily chanting sessions attract thousands of visitors every year. Moving westward, Pemayangtse Monastery near Pelling is another major attraction. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the state and is known for its exquisite wooden sculptures and panoramic mountain views.

In Gangtok, Enchey Monastery is a calm spiritual haven surrounded by dense forests. It is believed to be blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a revered tantric master. Meanwhile, Tashiding Monastery, located on a hilltop, is famous for its annual Bumchu festival, which draws pilgrims from across the eastern Himalayas.

Another serene destination is Phodong Monastery, which houses ancient murals and scriptures. Its vibrant festivals showcase traditional Cham dances, making it a cultural delight. Additionally, Ralang Monastery near Ravangla offers stunning architecture and hosts the grand Pang Lhabsol festival. Finally, Dubdi Monastery, built in 1701, is considered the oldest monastery in Sikkim. The trek to reach it allows visitors to enjoy lush landscapes and peaceful surroundings.

Together, these seven monasteries highlight Sikkim’s profound Buddhist heritage. With their spiritual atmosphere, scenic settings and rich traditions, they remain essential destinations for anyone seeking inner peace and cultural immersion.

The post Top 7 Must-Visit Monasteries in Sikkim for Spiritual Seekers in 2025 appeared first on India Podcast.

On November 24, the Anga Pradakshina schedule will begin at 10 AM. At 11 AM, the Srivani Trust Darshan tickets will open for booking. Later, at 3 PM, tickets will be made available for senior citizens and physically challenged devotees for free darshan. Pilgrims are advised to complete bookings early due to heavy demand.

On November 25 at 10 AM, the ₹300 special darshan quota will open. At 3 PM on the same day, accommodation quota will also open. Rooms will be allotted based on availability and online confirmation. Pilgrims must use official sources only for final booking and information.

TTD requested devotees to avoid fake websites and rely only on the official portal. Complete details, instructions, and booking access are available on the official TTD website.

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